City of Gold Coast enhances aquatic accessibility with new technology and equipment

The City of Gold Coast is improving accessibility with two innovative installations giving people with disabilities easier access to the water.

A beach wheelchair lockbox trial continues at Burleigh Beach which includes two beach wheelchairs and matting for use from 8am to 5pm during summer.

The trial allows a person with a disability and their companion to access beach wheelchairs and matting at a time convenient to them through a QR code and passcode.

Division 12 Councillor Nick Marshall noted “The Gold Coast has some of the best beaches in the world and the beach wheelchair lockbox trial is another step to ensuring everyone can enjoy what the popular Burleigh has to offer.

“We want everyone to be able to have a beach experience and this lockbox pilot allows people with disability to access the beach spontaneously.”

The second installation is an accessible pool pod at the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre which provides safe and dignified access to the pool.

The pool pod can be used by more than one person at a time, so a carer or support person can provide assistance.

The City is the first local government in South East Queensland to install this innovative technology in a public facility.

Division 13 Councillor Josh Martin adds “as part of our commitment to accessible and inclusive features at the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre, we have installed this new state-of-the-art pool pod in the warm water pool to provide access for everyone.

“The pool pod was developed for the London Paralympics and is an innovative piece of technology that will ensure people with disabilities can access the pool in a safe and dignified way.’”

Both venues have Changing Places facilities with an accessible toilet including ceiling tracking hoist and height adjustable change table at Burleigh Beach, and accessible parking, changing rooms, ramps and stairs into pools, hoists, and new aquatic wheelchairs at the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre.

For more details on the beach wheelchair lockbox trial 

For more details on the pool pod click